In response to globalisation and the new multi-polar balance of power, a new book by a team of Brussels and Leuven-based researchers argues that the EU should build up a world-class diplomatic corps, capable of becoming a major actor in global affairs, drawing on the enabling provisions contained in the Treaty of Lisbon.

This issue paper by Chief Economist Fabian Zuleeg on the coming negotiations for the EU multi-annual financial framework charts the difficult economic, political and institutional context, which might well result in budget stalemate, with disastrous consequences for the delivery of EU policy priorities.

With the creation of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in December 2010, this Policy Brief by Cornelius Adebahr questions the actions taken so far and looks at the immediate challenges to the EUSR mandates, and outlines criteria for a strategic use of the EUSRs as an effective instrument of a strong diplomatic service.

What kind of Social Europe do European citizens want to maximise their well-being in the future? This issue paper by Eric Harrison, Elissa Sibley, Sotiria Theodoropoulou and Benedetta Guerzoni attempts to answer this question, by analysing the results of several social surveys.

In this post-summit analysis, Janis A. Emmanouilidis argues that EU leaders were justified in heralding the decision to establish a European Stability Mechanism as a major success.

Political trends and priorities 2011-201217 December 2010Rosa Balfour (Senior Adviser to EPC on Europe in the World), Janis A. Emmanouilidis (Director of Studies) and Fabian Zuleeg (Chief Executive and Chief Economist)

In the context of this deep crisis, this Issue Paper by Rosa Balfour, Janis A. Emmanouilidis and Fabian Zuleeg provides an ex ante analysis of political trends and priorities in 2011 and 2012.

This Working Paper written by Fabian Zuleeg with Claire Dhéret and Benedetta Guerzoni also discusses the implications of different policy choices which are most likely to deliver a higher level of well-being to Europeans.

The authors of this commentary, Corina Stratulat and Janis A. Emmanouilidis, argue that the final rules will place politically sensitive burdens on the Commission while offering the EP new opportunities to engage with its voters.